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Lake Vermilion, which occupies more than 40,000 acres in northeast Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, is a busy resort and recreation area. The lake is one of the largest in the state, with 1,200 miles of shoreline, and home to 365 islands and hundreds of protected bays. Several campgrounds -- with primitive sites to full hookups -- ring the lake, allowing visitors to rough it on the shores of what the National Geographic Society once called one of the 10 most scenic lakes in the United States, according to the Lake Vermilion Web site.

Moosebirds on Lake Vermilion

Moosebirds on Lake Vermilion is a quiet north-woods retreat tucked away among the pines and birches overlooking the lake. The campground has just eight sites for RVs or tents, each with panoramic views of the water. Moosebirds also offers boat and pontoon rentals, and has its own general store. Moreover, if roughing it is too, well, rough, the camp also offers a three-bedroom lake house for rent. Moosebirds on Lake Vermilion 3068 Vermilion Drive Cook, MN 55723 218-666-2627 moosebirds.com

Hoodoo Point Campground

This large campground offers 86 sites for RVs or tents that can be rented by the day upon arrival, or by the week or even for a month with advance reservations. Lakeside sites command higher fees. Hoodoo Point includes a general store, a large playground, a private beach and swimming area, restrooms and showers, two boat launches, and bike and hiking trails. Hoodoo Point Campground 5788 Hoodoo Point Road Tower, MN 55790 218-753-6868 hoodoopoint.com

Campground Island

Campground Island is a 2.5-acre private island rented out for group camping. Up to six campers can pitch tents where they like and have the island -- including its three fire pits and rough cabin for bad weather -- all to themselves. Campground Island is located just north of Stuntz Bay, and is less than a mile away from the bay’s public boat launch. Campground Island 2320 Retreat Lodge Road Cook, MN 55723 218-753-8909 campgroundisland.com

McKinley Park Campground

McKinley Park Campground, on the east end of Lake Vermilion, has 90 campsites for RVs or tents, wrapped around a sandy public beach and boat ramp. The campground offers such amenities as restrooms and showers, a picnic area with shelter, a playground, fire rings, a general store and laundry facilities. A number of biking and hiking trails are nearby. McKinley Park Campground P.O. Box 382 Soudan, MN 55782 218-753-5921 or 218-780-6860 mckinleypark.net

Vermilion Sunsets RV Park

This quiet RV park, studded with trees and patches of wilderness, has 15 large sites with full hook-ups and is located next to the Vermilion Fairways golf course, a nine-hole regulation-length course that opened in 1966. Boat rentals and dock slips are available from the nearby Timbuktu Marina, which is nestled on the shores of the lake. Shopping and dining opportunities are within walking distance of the campground. Vermilion Sunsets RV Park 2475 Vermilion Drive Cook, MN 55723 218-666-2276 timbuktumarina.com

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About the Author

Thomas K. Arnold is publisher and editorial director of "Home Media Magazine" and a regular contributor to "Variety." He is a former editorial writer for U-T San Diego. He also has written for "San Diego Magazine," "USA Today" and the Copley News Service. Arnold attended San Diego State University.

Photo Credits

Minnestoa state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com